Wisconsin basketball: 5 reasons to be thankful for 2018-19

5. Evolving offense

For years under Bo Ryan, the Badgers would exclusively run the swing offense. As a refresher, the swing offense was basically a four-out, one-in set up where every position was interchangeable. The same movements were run time and time again as the ball was swung around the perimeter in hopes of finding an opening. Eventually, the Badgers would isolate at the end of the shot clock if they weren’t able to get an open shot during the first 30 seconds of the possession.

Part of what made the Badgers so successful in this offense was the fact that they consistently recruited big men who could step out to the perimeter and knock down threes. That’s not the case anymore and part of the reason Greg Gard has had to evolve his offense.

Don’t get me wrong, Wisconsin still runs plenty of swing offense. However, they now implement more set plays and other calls in order to mix up the look opposing defenses are seeing. It’s complicating to gauge whether this offense is more effective, as the talent hasn’t been the same these last couple years. But one thing is for sure; it’s more pleasing on the eyes.